EVERTON can’t rely on Chelsea being drained from their Europa League exertions when they go to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, insists Steve Round.

The Blues assistant coach admits Rafa Benitez’s side could be feeling the effects of their dramatic win over Benfica in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, but believes Everton must maintain their intensity to get a result.

Round, whose role at the club following David Moyes’s exit is yet to be confirmed, is focusing simply on three points on Sunday to ensure the perfect send-off for the man he has worked alongside for the last five years.

He said: “The final could drain them emotionally and mentally, so you’re never quite sure. The one thing is they’ve got enough rest days with it being a Sunday kick-off for them to be fully fit. It’s their last home game so they’ll want to see their crowd off in a good manner and maybe parade the cup too.

“It doesn’t make the challenge any harder or any more easy for us. We just need to go there and play our own game.

“Some of the football we’ve played recently – against West Ham in particular – was excellent.

“We’re in a good run of form, with good points in the bag and we’ll want to go there and get three more.”

Round is also hoping the Blues can scupper any need for the Premier League to organise an emergency play-off fixture by condemning Chelsea to defeat.

The League confirmed on Wednesday certain permutations that could require an extra game between Chelsea and Arsenal to decide which club secures third place and automatic qualification for the Champions League.

If Everton were to draw at Stamford Bridge, an Arsenal win could leave the two London clubs level on points, goal difference and goals scored.

But with victory enough to kill any need for that headache and guarantee the Blues’ best-ever Premier League points total in the process, Round says Everton not settle for anything less.